ABSTRACT
Surface irrigation, also referred to as ‘‘flood irrigation,’’ is the oldest and most common method of applying water to croplands. There are three broad classifications: 1) basin irrigation; 2) border irrigation; and 3) furrow irrigation. Each classification can be distinguished on the basis of shape, slope, and field boundaries. It is important to understand that references to the ‘‘surface irrigation system’’ may include more than the individually irrigated field. Specifically, the irrigation system may consist of four subsystems, as illustrated in Fig. 1. These are: 1) the water supply subsystem; 2) the water delivery subsystem; 3) the water use subsystem (field); and 4) the water removal (drainage) subsystem.[1] Thus, the terms basin, border, and furrow irrigation are specific configurations of the water use subsystem. Optimizing basin, border, or furrow irrigation practices requires that each component of the irrigation system be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated effectively.
